IRBIL, IRAQ - JULY 24: U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter talks to multinational troops at the Irbil International Airport on July 24, 2015 in Irbil, Iraq. Carter is wrapping up weeklong tour of the Middle East focused on reassuring allies about Iran and assessing progress in the coalition campaign against the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq. (Photo by Carolyn Kaster - Pool/Getty Images)

Lobbying 2016: Uncle Sam puts Iraqi Kurds on its payroll

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IRBIL, IRAQ - JULY 24: U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter talks to multinational troops at the Irbil International Airport on July 24, 2015 in Irbil, Iraq. Carter is wrapping up weeklong tour of the Middle East focused on reassuring allies about Iran and assessing progress in the coalition campaign against the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq. (Photo by Carolyn Kaster - Pool/Getty Images)

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